The History and Significance Behind the Tradition of Tossing the Bouquet
As far as wedding traditions go, few create quite as much enthusiastic chaos as the bouquet toss. You know the drill - after the vows are sealed with a kiss, the bride turns her back to a gaggle of excited bridesmaids, single female guests, and sometimes rowdy relatives. With a flick of her wrist, she launches that coveted arrangement of flowers over her shoulder. What ensues is a blur of flailing arms, jostling torsos, and diving grabs at the airborne bouquet. It's all in good fun, but have you ever wondered how and why this tradition came about? As it turns out, the origins and symbolic meanings behind tossing the bouquet are quite fascinating.
Origins and Folklore
The tradition of flower tossing dates far back in history, with early origins tied to Ancient Greek and Roman mythology. The Greeks believed that flowers held mystical qualities of love and fertility, and scattering flower petals ensured blessings on marriages. In Roman times, wheat and flower petals were thought to bring prosperity, hence their role in ceremonies. Over time, these flower-based rituals evolved into the bouquet tossing we see today.
During the Victorian era, brides carried flower bouquets due to their sweet scent, an attempt to mask body odors in a time before deodorant. But Victorians also imbued meaning into every wedding detail. The white bouquet represented purity and virginity, while its tossing indicated the bride was ready to say goodbye to girlhood. Plus, single women vying for the bouquet was thought to represent the hope of being the next bride.
Customs and Etiquette
The typical rules of modern bouquet tossing took shape in the 20th century. It's generally done right after the wedding ceremony, before the reception festivities kick off. The bride usually aims over her shoulder, keeping her back to the assembled unmarried female guests. Whoever catches the airborne bouquet is believed to be the next in line to marry. Some brides give a countdown or flip the bouquet behind them blindly for more suspense. Humorously, the garter toss that soon follows echoes a similar belief for single men.
Symbolic Meaning
So why has this tradition endured over centuries and across cultures? The symbolism behind tossing the bouquet is multilayered. For the bride, it represents a willingness to pass along her own good fortune in love and marriage. For single female guests, catching the bouquet fosters a sense of hope. And in a broader sense, it signifies the bride's happiness and excitement to start this new chapter in life.
Evolution of Bouquets
The style of bouquets have changed over the years, but their significance remains. Originally brides carried fragrant posies made of fresh herbs and flowers. Victorian era bouquets featured more elaborate arrangements of roses, lilies, and baby's breath. Today's popular styles include cascading bouquets, flower crowns, and clutches of wildflowers. While the bouquet has evolved, the ceremonial tossing has stayed consistent.
Modern Adaptations
Modern brides sometimes put new spins on this tradition to be more inclusive. Some opt to toss a wish ribbon instead of flowers, which any guest can participate in. Others do a dual bouquet toss, with a second one for unmarried men. The main thing is keeping the upbeat, lighthearted essence of this ritual. However, the traditional women-only toss remains the most popular among brides.
Famous Bouquets Tosses
Bouquets have been thrown by plenty of famous brides over the years. Princess Diana's iconic toss at her 1981 royal wedding enthusiastically captured the imaginations of women worldwide. The massive bouquet soaring over a sea of outstretched arms became an indelible image. More recently, celebrity brides like Jessica Biel and Kim Kardashian have also partaken in the tradition, though having it filmed adds extra pressure.
For most everyday brides, it's a chance to let loose and get guests involved in the joy. It also makes for great wedding photos when a friend triumphantly clutches the bouquet or leaps to snag it. Whether brides opt for a classic over the shoulder style or add personal twists, the bouquet toss creates lasting memories.
Cultural Variations
Throughout history, different cultures incorporated flowers into wedding rituals to represent new beginnings. Ancient Greek and Roman brides wore flower crowns and wreaths to symbolize purity. Hindu brides in India wear floral garlands around their necks in sacred ceremonies. Flowers even decorate the bridal suite in Chinese wedding traditions. No matter the culture, flowers hold universal connotations of beauty, growth and love.
Enduring Popularity
While some wedding customs can feel outdated or sexist, the bouquet toss has endured because, at its core, it's about having fun. Catching a heap of flowers won't necessarily guarantee or predict anything about a guest's future. But it does allow everyone to momentarily unite behind a common goal - scrambling for a symbolic prize.
Conclusion
Looking ahead, the bouquet toss will likely carry on as a crowd-pleasing tradition. Trends come and go, but this exuberant ritual has remained a staple. A hundred fifty years from now, brides will probably still be tossing bouquets, passing along wishes of prosperity to the next generation of newlyweds. That lucky person who catches the bride's bouquet might one day be launching her own flowers to continuing the tradition.